How to Care for Gold-Plated or PVD-Coated Cutlery: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Owning a set of gold-plated or PVD-coated cutlery is a true luxury at the table. These pieces add elegance to any special occasion and reflect refined taste. However, this type of cutlery requires special care to preserve its shine and avoid long-term damage.

In this simple and practical guide, you'll learn how to clean, store, and maintain your luxury cutlery so it stays flawless for years to come.

 


🔍 What is PVD Coating?

PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition. It’s an advanced technology used to apply a thin metallic coating onto cutlery, providing:

  • Higher resistance to scratches and wear

  • Long-lasting shine

  • Modern and sophisticated finishes (such as gold, black, copper or champagne tones)

Unlike traditional electroplating, PVD is more eco-friendly and results in a more uniform, durable coating. That’s why it’s widely used in high-end cutlery, luxury watches, and designer pieces.

💡 The result? Stunning cutlery with premium durability — that still needs the right care.


💡 Why PVD or Gold-Plated Cutlery Requires Special Care

Cutlery with gold plating or PVD finish has a delicate coating over the base metal. This means it:

  • Can stain easily when exposed to harsh chemicals

  • Is sensitive to heat and strong detergents

  • May lose shine or scratch if not stored properly

With the right care, however, it can retain its original beauty for many years.


🧽 Essential Cleaning Tips

1. Avoid the Dishwasher

Even if some manufacturers say PVD-coated cutlery is dishwasher safe, handwashing is the safest option:

  • Use warm water

  • A mild, pH-neutral soap

  • A soft sponge (never steel wool or abrasive pads)

💡 Pro tip: Wash the cutlery soon after use, especially if it came into contact with acidic foods like lemon, vinegar, or tomato.


2. Dry Immediately

Moisture can affect the finish over time. To avoid it:

  • Dry each piece thoroughly with a soft cloth

  • Don’t let the cutlery air-dry


3. Occasional Polishing

To maintain the luxurious look:

  • Use a microfiber cloth or a polish specifically designed for delicate metals

  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or polishing pastes meant for stainless steel


🧴 How to Store PVD-Coated or Gold-Plated Cutlery

✔️ Use dividers or fabric rolls

To prevent scratches:

  • Store pieces in lined boxes or soft pouches

  • Keep items separated or individually wrapped

✔️ Avoid humid environments

Humidity can impact the coating over time. Store your cutlery in a dry and well-ventilated place, away from steam sources like ovens or dishwashers.


⚠️ What NOT to Do

  • ❌ Never use bleach or chlorine-based products

  • ❌ Don’t scrub with force or use metal utensils for cleaning

  • ❌ Don’t leave cutlery soaking for long periods


Investing in PVD-coated or gold-plated cutlery is also about investing in the dining experience. With proper care, their elegant shine can enhance many memorable dinners — and even become timeless heirlooms.

At Bright Kitchen, we believe that luxury lives in the details.
Discover our exclusive selection of PVD-coated and gold flatware sets, crafted for those who appreciate both design and durability.

🔗 Explore the collection now

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